Mary Elizabeth Collins Pretti

Mary lived a life anchored in unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and an abiding love for her family. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived out daily through kindness, humility, and service to others. She was a faithful member of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, where she found great joy and fellowship through Bible study and her life group, whom she cherished dearly and held close to her heart.

A woman of remarkable intellect and dedication, Mary enjoyed a distinguished professional career. She was a retired Certified Public Accountant, professor, and served as Dean of Business at State Technical Institute, now known as Southwest Tennessee Community College. She took great pride in educating and mentoring others, leaving a lasting impact on countless students throughout her career.

Above all else, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, stepmother, grandmother, and matriarch whose love was steady, nurturing, and unconditional. Her home and heart were always open, and her gentle guidance and prayers were a constant source of comfort and strength for those she loved.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Pretti; parents, Fred E. Collins and Meady Sharp Collins; five brothers; and two sisters.

She is survived by her four sons, Hubert Michael Neely (Cherry), Marcus Arnold Neely (Billie Sue), David Collins Neely (Terri), and Fred Andrew Neely; her four stepchildren, Michelle Renee Lewis (Tony), Mark Pretti (Carol), Patrick J. Pretti (Lisa), and Christopher J. Pretti; daughter-in-law, Audene “Deanie” Pretti; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson, each of whom carries forward her legacy of faith, love, and devotion.

Mary will be remembered as a faithful servant of Christ, a loving and steadfast presence in her family’s lives, and a woman whose quiet strength and grace touched everyone she encountered. Her life was a testament to God’s love, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Visitation for Mrs. Pretti will be held at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave., Memphis, Tennessee 38122, on Friday, January 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00. A graveside service will take place at 3:30 pm at Memphis Memory Gardens Cemetery, 6444 Raleigh-LaGrange Road, Memphis TN, 38134.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisting in Huntsville, Alabama.

Family Funeral Care is leading arrangements in Memphis, Tennessee.